Not
that I have already obtained it
or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that
for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard
myself as having laid hold of it
yet; but one thing I do:
forgetting what lies behind and
reaching forward to what lies
ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in
Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14
From the inspirational words of Paul from this week there may
be many who would say, “I know Paul learned how to maximize the moment. I see
how he labored more often, was more productive, and got better results than the
other apostles did. But I have so many problems in my life I don’t know if I
can overcome to serve God.” Good news!
So did Paul. He had what appeared
to be rather serious limitations.
Paul had a history. He persecuted the church of God
publicly. He arrested believers and
testified against them. His reputation
was well known for wreaking havoc in the early church. Even after his conversion to Christ, he was
originally rejected by the other apostles because they were afraid of him due
to his history and dark past. His friends were few, his enemies were many and
suffering was his lot. Yet, he was successful
in running the Christian race.
His presentation was weak. Paul was not a great speaker and referred to his speech as
rude, uncouth, unpolished; not smooth or eloquent. His appearance was weak, as were his eyes. He really did not measure up to the other
apostles in appearance nor in presentation in the physical sense. However, Paul had a great message of truth, in
spite of a weak delivery! Peter was more
robust, and Apollos was more eloquent; but Paul was very effective.
In First and Second Corinthians, Paul
attempted to justify his being called an apostle. He was not one of the original twelve. He describes himself as "one born out of
due season." He was not in the company of Jesus during
his earthly ministry and did not witness the miracles of Jesus. Yet, his ministry was more successful than
some who accompanied Jesus daily. Paul
expanded the kingdom of God. Not only
did he establish more churches, but also he wrote two-thirds of the New
Testament books.
In 2 Corinthians 11:5,
Paul defends his ministry by saying, for I consider myself not in the least inferior to the
most eminent apostles. Paul
labored as a debtor to Christ. He was overcome with love and appreciation that
Christ had called him and was using him in His service.
As you look throughout the Bible, you will find it is full of
the stories of real people who had flaws and shortcomings. God knew we could not be perfect because we
are human and wanted us to know that we are still valuable to Him and His
kingdom. Even with our past sins and
mistakes God can still use us. Sometimes
we are more valuable with our scars and weathered look – like an old
antique. Sometimes the scars we carry
may make another person with a similar past see that God can love them in spite
of where they have been. Not only can He
still love us, scars and all, but He can USE us!
Today as you look at the whole of your life, don’t discount
your past; for in it is the story of the salvation of God.
Scripture to Claim:
From Paul about his calling as an apostle: For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me. 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
From Paul about his calling as an apostle: For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me. 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
